Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico - Every September, know as El Mes de la Patria (The Month of Our Nation,) cities throughout Mexico host a series of colorful and patriotic festivities celebrating the events and people that eventually resulted in Mexico's Independence from Spain. But out of all the Mexican destinations you could visit on Independence Day, Puerto Vallarta has a special charm that makes it stand out from the rest. With its cobblestoned streets, red-tiled roofs and 'Old Mexico' disposition, Puerto Vallarta has become widely known as "The Most Mexican Beach Destination" - especially during the month of September, when Mexico's history and culture come alive! On every street corner there are vendors selling flags, balloons, sombreros and rehiletes - all in the national colors of red, white and green - and, as is tradition, the city celebrates the occasion with plenty of festivities, entertainment and activities from September 12th through the 16th. On Monday, September 12th, the celebration kicks off at 8:00 am with a Civic Ceremony at the Plaza de Armas (Main Plaza, downtown) commemorating the 1847 Gestic Heroica de San Patricio (Heroic Gesture of St. Patrick.) On Tuesday, September 13th, the celebrations start at 8 am with a civic ceremony to honor Los Niños Héroes (the Boy Heroes who defended Chapultepec Castle from invading U.S. forces in the 13 September 1847 Battle of Chapultepec, during the Mexican–American War) complete with a roll call, wreath and honor guard, in the main square of El Pitillal. Wednesday, September 14th starts off at 8:00 am with a Civic Ceremony at the Plaza de Armas marking the date in 1824 that the State of Chiapas was incorporated in the Federal pact (Incorporación del estado de Chiapas al pacto federal.) El Día Nacional del Charro (National Charro Day) is also celebrated on September 14th. At 10:00 am, more than 100 members of La Unión de Asociaciones de Charros de Puerto Vallarta (the Union of Puerto Vallarta Charros Associations) will start at the corner of Morelos and Guerrero and parade through downtown with great clamor. Downtown Puerto Vallarta comes alive that evening with a Kermés Revolucionaria featuring Antojitos Mexicanos, (Mexican snacks) in the Main Plaza from 6:00-10:30 pm, the traditional Maleconeada Charra (Charro Parade) that starts at the Hotel Rosita at 9:00 pm and winds its way down the Malecón to Los Arcos Amphitheater, where the Charro groups will present Floreo de Salón, (lasso exhibition) and other traditional entertainment like a Mariachi performance and a Fiesta Charra. While you are downtown, be sure to walk down the Malecón to the lighthouse stage, where you'll enjoy regional Mexican music and dance performances from 7:00 to 9:00 pm. Meanwhile, at Hidalgo Park, a Fiesta Pata Salada ("salty leg," a term used for the people of Puerto Vallarta) featuring Antojitos Mexicanos, music and dance performances, will be held from 6:00 to 9:45 pm. Thursday, September 15, or the eve of Independence Day, is when the celebration really begins, as Vallarta commemorates the first and most significant episode of Mexico's history: Independence from Spain. The activities begin early, with a Civic Ceremony and Flag Raising to the National Anthem at the Plaza de Armas at 8:00 am. At 6:00 pm, the Fiesta Pata Salada, resumes in Hidalgo Park, with stands selling Antojitos Mexicanos (Be sure to try the punch, called Ponche, it's a drink made of seasonal fruits, sugarcane, raisins and apples, and it's delicious!) and live entertainment, until 9:45 pm. The entertainment begins at 7:00 pm with Pre-hispanic dance, Ranchero and folkloric dance performances. At 8:00 pm, head back to the city's center for a "Cultural Musical" performance by Grupo Huichol Cultural, followed by the Ballet Folklórico Municipal Xiutla at 9:00 pm, and Mariachi Nuevo Imperial at 10:00 pm. Just before 11:00 pm, everyone gathers together in front of La Presidencia, (the municipal government building) in La Plaza Principal to witness a dramatization of the bell tolling and the call to arms in which the mayor impersonates priest Miguel Hidalgo, the "Father of Independence." As the clock begins to strike eleven, silence falls over the citizens as Mayor Arturo Dávalos Peña steps forward to ring the symbolic liberty bell and give El Grito de Dolores, met by the crowds' response of "Viva Mexico!" and "Viva la independencia!" in an emotion-packed traditional annual ritual. The ceremony reaches the high point when the crowd joins in proudly shouting out the names of the heroes of Mexico's Independence. When the grito ceremony ends, the sky lights up with multi-colored fireworks, followed by traditional Mexican dancers and musical groups, including Mariachis, at Los Arcos Amphitheater and along the Malecón. Friday, September 16th is a National Holiday, similar to July Fourth in the United States. Most people have the day off from work so they can attend the civic ceremony that commemorates the anniversary of the day Mexico's War of Independence began in 1810 at Hidalgo Park, and watch the traditional parade that starts at 10 am and winds through the streets of downtown Vallarta. From 4:00 to 11:00 pm, the second edition of the Feria del Taco will be held at Lazaro Cardenas Park, featuring 20 restaurants that specialize in preparing all kinds of tacos, two musical groups, a couple of pre-Hispanic food workshops. Click HERE for more information. At 6:00 pm, the Fiesta Pata Salada, resumes in Hidalgo Park, with stands selling Antojitos Mexicanos and live entertainment, until 9:45 pm. But the fun doesn't stop there! To liven up the patriotic celebrations, many restaurants feature special El Mes de la Patria menus to to keep the party going - making this month a great time to visit Puerto Vallarta, Mexico! See source
